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Cyclone Jizani made landfall on the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar, claiming at least nine lives and leaving a trail of destruction across the mainland. Authorities reported on Wednesday that the powerful tropical cyclone struck with wind speeds exceeding 195 kilometers per hour, triggering emergency responses across the nation of 31 million people.
According to the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management, at least nine people died due to building collapses caused by the cyclone, while a minimum of 19 others sustained injuries. The storm made a direct hit on Toamasina, the country’s main port city on the eastern coast, causing severe damage to infrastructure and residential areas.
Red Alerts Issued as Cyclone Jizani Threatens Multiple Regions
Madagascar’s meteorological authority issued red-level warnings for several regions as Cyclone Jizani moved across the island nation. The alerts cautioned residents about potential flooding and landslides, two of the most dangerous secondary effects of tropical cyclones in the region’s mountainous terrain.
The extreme wind speeds associated with the storm posed significant risks to structures throughout affected areas. Building collapses accounted for the majority of fatalities, highlighting the vulnerability of infrastructure in regions facing such powerful weather systems.
Presidential Response and Damage Assessment
Madagascar’s President Mikel Randrianirina visited Toamasina to assess the damage firsthand and meet with affected residents. Video footage shared on the presidential office’s Facebook page showed the leader surveying the destruction in the port city, which serves as a critical economic hub for the island nation.
The visit underscored the severity of the situation facing communities in the cyclone’s path. Toamasina’s status as Madagascar’s primary port makes the damage particularly concerning for the country’s economy and supply chains.
Natural Disaster Risks in Madagascar
Madagascar frequently experiences tropical cyclones during the Indian Ocean storm season, which typically runs from November through April. However, storms of this intensity can cause catastrophic damage to communities that often lack resilient infrastructure to withstand such extreme weather events.
The island’s geography makes it particularly susceptible to both the direct impacts of cyclone winds and secondary hazards. Mountainous terrain increases the risk of landslides when heavy rainfall accompanies these storms, while low-lying coastal areas face severe flooding threats.
Additionally, the combination of high winds and intense precipitation can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to widespread property damage. The current death toll and injury count may rise as authorities gain access to more remote areas affected by Cyclone Jizani.
Ongoing Emergency Response Efforts
Emergency management officials continue to coordinate response efforts across affected regions as the cyclone moves through Madagascar. The red alert warnings remain in effect for multiple areas, indicating that dangerous conditions persist even after the initial landfall.
Meanwhile, rescue teams work to reach isolated communities and provide assistance to those displaced by the storm. The full extent of the damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure remains under assessment as conditions gradually improve.
Authorities have not yet confirmed when the cyclone will fully pass through Madagascar’s territory or when weather conditions will return to normal levels. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management continues to monitor the situation closely and update casualty figures as more information becomes available from affected regions.
